Rappers among big donors to Red Cross relief efforts.(Main)

Sean "Diddy" Combs and Jay-Z have pledged $1 million to the American Red Cross to help victims of Hurricane Katrina.

The two rappers announced their joint donation Thursday, saying they hoped to inspire others, especially blacks, to give. "This is our community," Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, who is also president and CEO of the Def Jam record label, said. "When I turn on CNN, I see a lot of black people on the streets. I know it's other people too, but those projects have been hit hard." Meanwhile, BET announced it will host a telethon Sept. 9, featuring hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons , among others. The network is organizing the show with the National Urban League, American Red Cross, Simmons' Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, Essence Communication and others.

Meanwhile, entertainer Fats Domino , who had been feared missing apparently rode out the hurricane in his New Orleans home and was rescued by boat.

Also on Thursday, Celine Dion and business partners Concerts West/AEG Live and Dragone pledged a $1 million donation to the Red Cross as did Oscar-winner Nicolas Cage , who has a home in New Orleans.

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Rappers among big donors to Red Cross relief efforts.(Main)

Sean "Diddy" Combs and Jay-Z have pledged $1 million to the American Red Cross to help victims of Hurricane Katrina.

The two rappers announced their joint donation Thursday, saying they hoped to inspire others, especially blacks, to give. "This is our community," Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, who is also president and CEO of the Def Jam record label, said. "When I turn on CNN, I see a lot of black people on the streets. I know it's other people too, but those projects have been hit hard." Meanwhile, BET announced it will host a telethon Sept. 9, featuring hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons , …